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ADHD Checklist
Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Checklist by Daniel G. Amen,
M.D.
Terms of Use: This educational material is made available courtesy of the author and Attention Deficit Disorder Resources. You
may reprint this article for personal use only.
In conjunction with other diagnostic techniques, Dr Amen says he, "uses the following general
adult ADHD checklist to help further define ADHD symptoms. No ADHD adult has all of the
symptoms, but if you notice a strong presence of more than 20 of these symptoms, there is a
strong likelihood of ADHD ."
Read this list of behaviors and rate yourself (or the person who has asked you to rate him or her)
on each behavior listed. Use the following scale and place the appropriate number next to the
item.
0 = never
1 = rarely
2 = occasionally
3 = frequently
4 = very frequently
***IMPORTANT: This is not a tool for self-diagnosis. Its purpose is simply to help you determine
whether ADHD may be a factor in the behavior of the person you are assessing using this
checklist. An actual diagnosis can be made only by an experienced professional.
***Note: The three items with * and a score above three are essential to make the diagnosis."
Past History
2.__History of not living up to potential in school or work (report cards with comments such as
"not living up to potential")
5.__Family history of ADHD , learning problems, mood disorders or substance abuse problems
Short Attention Span/Distractibility
11.__Skips around while reading, or goes to the end first, trouble staying on track
12.__Difficulty learning new games, because it is hard to stay on track during directions
13.__Easily distracted during sex, causing frequent breaks or turn-offs during lovemaking
Restlessness
18.__Trouble sitting still, such as trouble sitting in one place for too long, sitting at a desk job for
long periods, sitting through a movie
Impulsivity
21.__Say just what comes to mind without considering its impact (tactless)
22.__Trouble going through established channels, trouble following proper procedure, an attitude
of "read the directions when all else fails"
33.__Poor financial management (late bills, check book a mess, spending unnecessary money
on late fees)
39.__Chronic sense of under achievement, feeling you should be much further along in your life
than you are
42.__Mood swings
43.__Negativity
44.__Frequent feeling of demoralization or that things won't work out for you
Relational Difficulties
47.__Tendency to be immature
Short Fuse
57.__Frequent search for high stimulation (bungee jumping, gambling, race track, high stress
jobs, ER doctors, doing many things at once, etc.)
65.__Coordination difficulties
70.__Tendency to turn off or become stuck when asked questions in social situations
71.__Falls asleep or becomes tired while reading
Sleep/Wake Difficulties
73.__Difficulty coming awake (may need coffee or other stimulant or activity before feeling fully
awake)
Low Energy
74.__Periods of low energy, especially early in the morning and in the afternoon
76.__Startles easily
_______________________________________________________________
When you have completed the above checklist, calculate the Total Score: _______
Dr. Amen suggests: "More than 20 items with a score of three or more indicates a strong
tendency toward ADHD . Note: The three items with * and a score above three are essential
to make the diagnosis." He adds: "One of the most common ways I diagnose ADHD in adults is
when parents reluctantly tell me that they have tried their child's medication and that they found it
very helpful. They report it helped them concentrate for longer periods of time. They became
more organized and were less impulsive. Trying your child's medication is not something I
recommend!"
Editor's Note: If you believe your score indicates possible ADHD, then you might want to read these articles at our website: Tips
for finding an ADHD Clinician and ADHD Support and ADHD 101.
___________________________________________
Dr. Daniel G. Amen is a child and adult psychiatrist, brain-imaging specialist, best-selling author, and medical director of The
Amen Clinics in Newport Beach and Fairfield, California as well as Tacoma, Washington. He is a nationally recognized expert in
the fields of "the brain and behavior" and "brain imaging." Dr. Amen has pioneered the use of brain imaging in clinical psychiatric
practice. His clinics have the world's largest database of functional brain scans for neuropsychiatry. In addition to his private
practice, Dr. Amen is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior in the University of California, Irvine College
of Medicine. Email: docamen@aol.com [1]. Website: www.amenclinic.com [2].
Source URL: http://www.addresources.org/?q=checklist
Links:
[1] mailto:docamen@aol.com
[2] http://www.amenclinic.com/